Latest reviews

Debs reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing - Experimenting with Image transfer with Clare Cosens

"Clare is a great tutor! She is full of tips and creative ideas. The workshop was well prepared with a huge range of resources available. Clare encourages individual creativity and is on hand for support and help without trying to control people's own ideas and outcomes. This sin't the first course I have done with Clare and I will definitely be going back for more!!"

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop and I hope to see you again soon. Also, many thanks for bringing the delicious cake!"

Sue Woods reviewed: 4 x 2 Hour Crochet Course - Triangular Shawl – Introduction to Crochet Charts

"Brilliant session. Merrian's instructions and her written, and online video, course material is extensive and easy to understand and follow. She explained about the yarns that would suit the shawl project, and brought in various examples of shawls for us to see. We students all set off on our shawls, and Merrian was quick to help anyone who wasn't sure whether they were reading the instructions properly. Merrian exudes enthusiasm and warmth, making the whole session an enjoyable experience, as well as a very instructive experience. "

Mezzacraft responded:

"Thank you so much Sue - it's always such a pleasure to have you on my courses x"

Zoe reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"A lovely way to spend a day! Alice is a fantastic teacher - patient and encouraging, and ready to help when needed. The process of weaving is itself really calming, and it felt very satisfying to go home with a finished piece. Would highly recommend!"

Catherine Hallett reviewed: Garden Obelisk

"A wonderful morning. I was a total beginner but now I'm hooked. the workshop ran at a pace to cater for everyone and now I have a beautify obelisk for my garden. Thank you"

Surrey Wildlife Trust responded:

"Good morning Catherine, thank you for your review. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the morning and that you created such a great piece of art for your garden. Sue"

Helen Jones - The Art Doctor UK reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing - Experimenting with Image transfer with Clare Cosens

"This was such a fun, hands-on gelli printing experience. Clare is super knowledgeable and I certainly learnt a lot of techniques. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the fact that the tutor wasn’t too prescriptive giving us free reign to make our own choices. I loved watching the demonstrations- I can certainly say we were all mesmerised!! Thank you Clare, I hope to come to another workshop in the future. The shorter time scale of this workshop was perfect for me as a busy working mum."

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. "

Steph reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"This is the second time I have done the 2 day course with Jo, and I tackled a more complicated project this time. Despite the 5 of us on the course working on quite different types of chairs, Jo was able to give us all the individual instructions and demonstrations we needed to progress with our projects. She is extremely knowledgeable and very patient, finding the right balance between demonstrating techniques and letting you get on so you do it for yourself. "

What Jo did next responded:

"Hi Steph - great to see you again, and with a slightly more difficult chair! It's very satisfying to see you progress so well in this craft. Jo"

Jade reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"Previously did pendant workshop and returned for ring workshop as it was so good! Really enjoyable day. Jules is an excellent teacher, and it’s a lovely, relaxed atmosphere. Highly recommend this or any Sea and Solder course to anyone. Came away with a lovely seaglass ring and enough knowledge to set up and try similar at home. So pleased. Thankyou! "

Heather reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"An amazing course to do. Had it gifted to me as a birthday present and it was one of the best ! Lee is patient and easy to follow even when I got totally confused at one point. A very talented artist and as such I am going to do another course with him “Colour, composition & the Wow factor” Loved the day, went so quickly, amazing setting and easy to find. Highly recommend Lee and the Lino print course."

Kate Jauffur reviewed: Experimental Printmaking inspired by Mid Century Design in Derbyshire

"Sadly, I can't comment on the course content, as I had covid and chose to do the responsible thing and stay home. Unfortunately, the tutor would not let me move the dates to another course so I lost £170 (was attending with a friend who could not get there on her own). Be aware so the same thing doesn't happen to you. The lack of flexibility was very disappointing!"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Kate, I am sad to have received your review and disappointed that you didn’t message me directly ahead of doing this, as your review doesn’t give a full picture of the situation. I understand and appreciate your disappointment in not being able to attend a workshop that you’ve been looking forward to. I was also looking forward to working with you both. The T & C you booked under are the most generous that CraftCourses offer, ie you may cancel and receive a full refund up to 2 weeks prior to the workshop date. There are other options that I may choose which are less generous, but I believe the 2 week cancellation policy is fair to both my customers and myself. I received a message from your friend who was to come with you the evening before you were to attend, saying that you were unwell and could I swap the date of your workshop and that you were willing to pay a fee to achieve this. It’s rare to have similar requests to yours, however, if there’s sufficient time for me to promote and fill the places, allowing me to move customers to a later date, then I am happy to do this. However, in your situation, with the request coming just the night before, this wasn’t possible. I also had 2 other people attending the workshop and I didn’t want to disappoint them, by cancelling the workshop. Your friend was aware that I was happy for her to come along to the workshop, but she chose not to, therefore both booking fees were lost. May I add that the message conversation I had with your friend doesn’t wholly reflect your point of view. I hope you understand that I run workshops as a business and not a hobby. When booking/accepting a workshop there has to be commitment on both sides and I don’t feel that you have fully taken into consideration my situation as the provider. I’m sorry that you aren’t happy with my decision. Yours Liz Wellby"

Ian Eyre reviewed: French Polishing workshop full day with Rob Cain

"A really enjoyable experience. All the methods explained clearly with a great element of fun included. Rob was a great teacher and companion for the day. Ian"

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Thanks Ian , and thanks for the great conversations we had. Here if you need me for anything at all, so glad you picked it up so well. Your achievements were remarkable for one day., Speak soon and all the very best Rob "

Jane McCall in the green zebra top. reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Paul, thank you for your patience, hospitality and outstanding abilities to teach and mentor absolute beginners. wonderful experience and I look forward to the next course. Bit late in leaving a review better late than never."

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hello Jane….. she of the green zebra! Thank you for your kind review, it is much appreciated. Hopefully we’ll meet again before long! Best wishes Paul"

Elizabeth Patrick reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"I had a fabulous day with Jules making my Seaglass ring. Jules instruction & attention meant that having never done anything like this before I was really pleased with the quality of ring I managed to produce. I would highly recommend this workshop to everyone :)"

Noemi reviewed: Glitzy glass jewellery

"It was a really fun class. Stevie explained everything great and helped us through the process. We really enjoyed it."

Stevie Davies responded:

"I loved the personal design ideas and creative qualities you both brought with you to my studio. I hope you enjoy your makes and the memories for a long time! "

Julie Taylor reviewed: Beginner's Cupcake Decorating

"Great morning - really enjoyed the course. Jane was a great teacher and we all produced exactly what she said we would, despite thinking there was no way we would, Lovely setting with great hospitality. Have already booked for another course. Would highly recommend."

Tara House Bakery responded:

"Many thanks Julie for your very positive feedback. So glad you enjoyed the course. I will look forward to seeing you on a future course. "

Kim H reviewed: Maille making the traditional way.

"This course was so much fun! I wasn't sure what to expect, but Phil was a fountain of knowledge and experience that he was more than happy to share. He guided us through the process of making maille, from the very first steps of pulling the wire and making the rings to the later steps of weaving a panel of maille. He also taught us about some of the history of maille and how it was made in different periods, and we got to see some historical examples. Phil was really friendly and happy to answer all of our questions, even showing us how to repair our own maille armour for the future. The hours flew by. Highly recommended whether you're a reenactor, LARPer, cosplayer, historian, archaeologist, or somebody just interested in giving a new craft a try. "

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks Kim. Hopefully the maille repair will come in handy and glad to hear you enjoyed the day."

Maureen Parris reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"What a lovely few hours spent at The Little Craftery on the beginners mosaic course with Wendy. I learnt all I need to know to get started with some of the mosaic ideas I have for home. Wendy Is well organised, patient and knowledgeable, she has a wide range of resources for participants to use and gives clear instructions and sound advice. I highly recommend Wendy and the little craftery to learn and develop your crafting skills or to purchase as a gift. "

Maxine Bromley reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"Had a great day spoon carving. Jack has great knowledge of wood and tools and is keen to pass this on to anyone interested. He was always on hand for anyone wanting a tip, a bit of guidance or help. Very well tailored to the experience (or lack of) of the people in front of him. Came home with a nice spoon which I let dry for a couple of days and have now finished and proud of. Highly recommended if you are interested in transforming a lump of wood into a lovely useable spoon to last. Many thanks Jack for a great day…..I’m off to order my axe!"

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks for the kind words Maxine, great to hear you're off to get the axe! Happy Carving!"

Martin reviewed: Group Maille Making Workshop

"Brilliant "

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks Martin, glad you enjoyed it. "

John Gutsell reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"Angie runs this course brilliantly. She has a vast amount of experience and has boundless energy. I have some experience of upholstery but learnt a huge amount. "

Peak Upholstery and Furnishings responded:

"Many thanks for your kind comment, John. I am not sure I have the boundless energy you describe but flattered you think so. Thanks for your company too. The traditional skills you learnt over the weekend will be very useful for your restoration work, even if it just informs your knowledge and understanding of how it is all constructed. Do get in touch if you need further help and advice. Angie"

Sara reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I was lucky enough to attend this wonderful course with my friend as her guest. I had never thought to learn how to carve spoons by hand out of a log, but can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. David was a great tutor along with Caroline who was incredibly helpful. I am delighted with my spoon and have learnt a new skill. I would recommend anyone to have a go!"

Keeley Sparrow reviewed: An introduction to flint knapping

"This was an excellent introduction to flint knapping. Jonny is incredibly knowledgeable about knapping but explained the processes in a very understandable way. Flint knapping is quite complex but I had great fun, even if I wasn't particularly good. I am looking forward to lots of practice at home though and have already sourced a good amount of flint to mutilate (sorry knap!!) I highly recommend this as a brilliant day to learn something new, and maybe I'll get good enough to go back for the next level. "

Lynn and Jeff reviewed: Learn to spin at Burnt Fen Alpacas

"I was bought the Alpaca spinning experience as a Birthday gift and had no idea what to expect. On arrival we were greeted by the sight of numerous beautiful Alpacas in the fields. Lots of different colours and sizes. Not only did they look so cute (still had their coats on), but also very inquisitive so they came to welcome us. Annie was such a good host and showed us round telling us their names as we met them. We started off in the most warm and cosy yurt. Not knowing anything about how to spin Annie explained and demonstrated techniques with lots of patience and fun and the morning flew by. Lunch in the garden was delicious surrounded by the alpacas on the upper garden was idyllic. During the afternoon session we carried on practicing with different wools, having the cheeky alpaca coming to the open door to give us the once over. We found the whole day so much fun and relaxing and so I would recommend this to anyone who loves alpacas. "

Burnt Fen Alpacas responded:

"Hi Lynn and Jeff, thank you for your lovely review! It was great to meet you both and I really enjoyed your sense of fun and enthusiasm for whatever came through the door - alpacas included! Hopefully see you both again sometime. Annie"

Laura Kidd reviewed: Introduction to Candlemaking

"Really fun and relaxed afternoon. structured tuition but lots of freedom within that for your own creative expression and design ideas. Lots of tea and coffee set to a background of eighties music. What's not to like. Suitable for all ages and abilities small groups so plenty of space for 1 on 1 advice. Thanks Wendy you are a 5 star gal x"

Kate reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Very enjoyable day learning new skills and making something! Jonathan was very welcoming and a great teacher. Thoroughly recommend this for a days activity, something different to do and come away with a few lovely items!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Hi Kate, Thank you for your very kind words. I hope you are enjoying your silver jewellery and thinking about using more of your new jewellery making skills. Well done! Jonathan"

JANET reviewed: Fused Glass 'Janet's Private Group' Workshop at My Little Studio

"Jo is a great teacher the course was great my husband and i enjoyed it. Her hospitality and her lemon drizzle cake was great.... highly recommended to anyone. Set in a gorgeous location and very relaxing. Thank you Jo from both of us from Rock of Gibraltar xxx"

Jo Turner Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you for your kind review, I hope your pieces made it back okay and that you are enjoying them. Please do keep in touch and let me know how your fused glassing is going. It was a pleasure to meet and teach you both. Jo :)"